Photos by: Oliver Gires

:: Outfit::

Esprit hats- Similar here and here

C/MEO Collective This time romper (sold out) - Similar here and here

Jeffrey Campbell lace-up sandals- Similar here

Michael Kors watch

Coach sunglasses

Gorjana necklaces

One of the many reasons that I enjoyed Vietnam Fashion Week so much was the opportunity to meet many amazing people, including some famous fashion designers like Kenzo Takada, Dubai couture designer Ezra Santos and many more. 

Saving the best for last, I decided to put on my favorite backless midi dress from ASOS and fruity sandals from Rene Caovilla for the closing night, which was televised live throughout the country. It was the best night that we had. Everyone decked out in their most stunning outfit, celebrating another milestone for Vietnam fashion, sharing the same happiness and making new friends. Besides many talented Vietnam fashion designers, I had the honor to meet the renowned Japanese- French fashion designer- Kenzo and Dubai's one of the most internationally recognized designer- Ezra Santos for the first time. According to them, they were impressed with how professionally organized Vietnam Fashion Week was and felt so happy to be invited to this extravaganza event. With a charming smile on their face, they both were happily talking to everyone, taking photos with many people who admired their work. I was one of them. 

I was not only impressed with Vietnam Fashion Week but also felt so proud of what my dear friend, Trang Le- the President of Vietnam Fashion Week has achieved. She is a real life example of a strong woman who is capable of doing anything as long as she puts her mind and heart into it. Thank you so much for having me at this amazing fashion week. It was truly my most favorite fashion week by far, believe it or not. 

See you again next year! 

Thank you so much for reading!

Photos: Street by Chanh & 511Styles

::Outfit::

ASOS Premium Scuba Backless Halter Full Midi Dress (20% off with code CYBER code at checkout)

Rene Caovilla fruity sandals

Alexander McQueen sunglasses

Gorjana jewelry 

Michael Kors watch

Asos ear cuff

Check out some of the best Cyber Monday sales right now! 

The most anticipated day of the festive shopping period is here: Black Friday! Believe it or not, some people have been saving their entire year for this day to shop. Others have been checking the websites every minute to make sure that they don't miss out any great deals. That's why shopping on these few days can be very crazy and stressful. 

I'm not the type of person who can spend hours queuing in the store for checkout. Neither do I have the energy to walk to every shop and find out what deals they have. Over the last couple of years, my preferred shopping style has always been online, at my comfortable home. I can pick whatever item I want, check out, and wait for it to arrive at my house a few days later. It always feels like Christmas comes early whenever I receive a parcel. The only problem is I need to be as fast as possible as sales items are always sold out so quickly. Once you lose it, you'll never see the same deal again. 

Another challenge would be "How do I know which website has the best Black Friday sales?". If you are reading this blog right now, you are in luck because I'm about to share with you a whole list of best Black Friday sales that will make your life so much easier. Are you ready? 

Bluefly- Up to 80% site wide

Forward by Elyse Walker
Designer items up to 80% off. 

The Outnet

Up to 80% OFF on Designer labels. 

3. Boohoo 

Planet Blue

ASOS

Up to 60% off casual looks for men and women from Nov 24th to Nov 26th (2 days only). Use code BLESSED.

H&M

Black Friday sales up to 60%. Only on Nov 27th.

La Redoute

Macy's 

Ralph Lauren

I've always been a huge fan of vibrant colors and I'm never afraid of expressing that love through what I wear. If you look at some of my recent blog posts (here, here and here), I don't think you can disagree with me on that. To me, life is more beautiful with colors and that will never change. While pastel colors make me feel feminine, bold colors energize me in some ways that I can't explain. They lift me up and give me the confidence that I need whenever I'm at events or fashion weeks. 

But things changed when I was at Vietnam Fashion Week. Except for this vibrant outfit that I wore on day 2, the rests are either plain colors, black and white like this outfit on day 1, or monochromatic like what you see here. I felt like I needed a break from all the crazy colors, quirky prints, and heavy embellishments from the street style madness since New York fashion week. And I thought nothing could refreshen myself up better than a crisp white on white outfit. After going through a dozen of white tops in my closet, I decided to pair this cut-out crop top with wide leg pants instead of a white pencil skirt or jeans. Red was the only bright color that I added to the whole look. 

This outfit might not be the most striking one that you've seen on me, but surprisingly, it's attractive enough to catch the attention of people on the street. Don't believe me? These photos below can prove it.  

After the first day in Vietnam Fashion Week, I started feeling more relaxed and enjoying while it lasted. Honestly, I was a bit stressed at first about not being well-prepared for the event due to the last minute decision. I knew no one there except for Ms. Trang Le, the president of Vietnam International Fashion Week, who I have the honor to call her a friend. What would I do there for nine days? I had so much work to do after coming back from New York Fashion Week, how could I finish? Many things popped up on my head to stop me from going. But I decided to attend Vietnam Fashion Week regardless because I wanted to support my friend and to learn more about Vietnam fashion landscape. On late Saturday night, I booked a flight. On Sunday morning, I jetted off. Just like that! 

That spontaneous decision turned out to be the best one. I had a fantastic time in Vietnam, met many wonderful people, and talked to many talented Vietnamese and international fashion designers. Everyone was so kind, warm, and friendly. Not to mention I had a photoshoot done in the middle of Saigon, with a young and talented photographer, Chanh Nguyen, whom I met at the event. I couldn't think of shooting at any other places that represent the country better than the street itself. A street with full of motorcyclists is a trademark of Vietnam, and any tourist that has the courage to cross the road without traffic light is a hero. 

Guess what? After being away from the country where I was born for 11 years, I was able to cross the road. I felt like a hero. I mean, you don't see a blonde-hair girl wearing a blue lace dress, striking cobalt blue heels, and sparkling clutch crossing the road on a regular day, do you?

Thank you so much for reading! 

Photos: Street by Chanh

::Outfit::
Self-portrait Athanasia Lace Dress- Similar here
Giuseppe Zanotti Blue Cut-out Sandals- Similar here
Forever New Clutch- Similar here
Alexander McQueen Sunglasses